FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – An official says more than 1,000 rats remain in and around a western Michigan home that housed a now-condemned animal rescue operation.

Fruitport Township Supervisor Brian Werschem gave an update Monday about efforts to deal with the infested Critter Cafe Rescue in Muskegon County’s Fruitport Township. The Muskegon Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/1HmlJZR ) nearly 1,500 rats have been removed, but they continue to breed – stymieing efforts to clear them out since last month.

Christine Lea Bishop ran the rescue and has been barred from the home. Rabbits, ducks and cats also were cared for at the animal rescue. Bishop has said the rat population started with a cage of pet rats left outside the building in winter.

The property owner is working with local officials to deal with the rats.